Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most prevalent Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) to occur worldwide. This syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed, the CTS causes symptoms such as tingling, burning and numbness of the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. It is a medical condition caused by repeated hand and wrist movements. These symptoms are typically worse at night, a few hours after waking up, or after prolonged periods of use.
The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in the United States ranges from 1% to 4% among workers in industry and 10% to 20% among healthcare workers. While many people recover from CTS without treatment, the chances of the injury worsening are always possible.
It is one of the most common workplace injuries/ occupational diseases in the United States, especially for jobs that require repetitive actions. If you’re an office worker, there are many factors contributing to this condition such as – Being stuck with a computer for extended hours, sitting at the same position for long periods, and using your hands too often can all lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome is a severe condition and can challenge even the simplest tasks.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by various factors, such as long hours spent typing on a computer keyboard or using a mouse, obesity due to unhealthy eating habits, and even genetics.
The condition causes pain that is often worse at night, making sleeping difficult. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to severe complications, which can significantly affect your daily and professional life.
What to do if you are suffering from CTS?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common source of worker disability claims. As it results from a repetitive stress injury to the wrist and can lead to permanent damage to the median nerve, which controls the movement of fingers, hands and arms, this syndrome is prevalent for people doing desk jobs.
A recent study analyzed data from 527 workers’ compensation claims for cases of carpal tunnel syndrome that occurred between 2008 and 2015 in California. The researchers examined how various factors affect the likelihood of an injured worker filing a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome. The study found that the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome increased with age, increased amount of weekly work hours, working with vibrating equipment and computers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the leading cause of disability for people under 45 years old and accounts for more than $650 million per year in worker’s compensation claims.
Many people are misdiagnosed, and it can take months or even years to get an accurate diagnosis. It can also take years to recover from this condition because it requires extensive physical therapy. Treatment is expensive, sometimes costing upwards of $100,000 per year.
CTS claims are one of the most common Workers’ Comp Claims. If you are experiencing CTS due to your job, you are entitled to Workers Compensation. You can file a Carpal Tunnel Claim by following these 3 simple steps :
- Get Diagnosis
If you are experienced with the CTS mentioned above, immediately book an appointment with your physician. Get a diagnosis and a medical report.
- Inform your Employer
Inform your employer of the Diagnosis within 30 days of receiving it. The employer will then provide you with the necessary forms to file your Workers Comp claim.
- Hire an Experienced Attorney
It is always better to hire an experienced Carpal Tunnel Attorney to represent you rather than doing it yourself. Employing a lawyer significantly increases your chances of receiving proper compensation.
If you are suffering from CTS, then we can help. At the Gaylord and Nantias Attorneys at Law, we work with clients to secure a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome claim against their employers using our expert knowledge of state workers’ compensation laws and personal injury litigation.
Call us at (562) 561-2669/ (213) 732-3436 or contact us online today for more information about your rights.
